Dell XPS 15 L502X Tools and Updates

The purpose of this thread is to consolidate the knowledge and resources gained from the other L502X threads.
The Basics...
RAM used: DDR3 SDRAM, SO-DIMM 204-pin,1333MHz (PC3-10600)
Videos:
Good overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zni-x1EN3G4
WiDi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asIblTrtILg
Screen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4oBO1NOO1o
Dell Service Manual:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsL502X/en/SM/index.htm
Diagnostics / Tools:
3DMark06 http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/3dmark06/download/
Disk Bench v 2.6.1.0 (good for testing speeds of external hard drives) http://www.windows7download.com/win7-disk-bench/xmpynafw.html
(might want to wait for RivaTuner v 2.25)
RivaTuner v2.24c http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163
Riva Tuner in Windows 7 http://www.bitbenderforums.com/vb22/showthread.php?t=82508
Creating Fan Profiles In Riva Tuner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXr6IIj1sLY
Some great tools to have CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting
SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala
Dell Drivers and Downloads L502X:
http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/driverslist.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&ServiceTag=&SystemID=XPS_L502X&os=W764&osl=EN
Various Drivers And Such:
http://www.gsmdrive.com/2011/03/09/dell-xps-l502x-drivers-for-windows-7-64bit-download/
Hardware:
Second HDD or SSD caddy http://newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=358
Notebook coolers http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=laptop+cooler&x=0&y=0
Intel Drivers:
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/
Cool Intel Gadget (Turbo Monitor v2.0, Jan,06 2011):
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-031038.htm
Nvidia Drivers:
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index5.aspx?lang=en-us
Verde Driver v,270.51 Beta, Rel.Date March,30 2011 http://www.nvidia.com/object/notebook-win7-winvista-64bit-270.51-beta-driver.html
Anti Glare Film:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-JcyOKAsNY
How To Set Up Dual Monitors In Win 7:
http://www.online-tech-tips.com/windows-7/how-to-setup-dual-monitors-in-windows-7/
Download Resources:
http://www.guru3d.com/
Checking Hard Disk For Errors:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Check-your-hard-disk-for-errors
HDMI:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/537776-dell-xps-l501x-hdmi-problem.html
Screen Calibration:
Zygotic's screen calibration via spyder 2 http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/564192-dell-xps-15-r2-l502x-owners-lounge.html
Intel HD Graphics 2000/3000 Driver Info:
http://www.intel.com/p/en_US/support/highlights/graphics/cp2-hd3000
Undervolting Possibilities/Info:
RMClock ? (took the link down... doesn't seem like RMClock does the trick)
Facial Recognition Software:
The same Dell uses apparently https://stats.sensiblevision.com/us1/fa/
Security http://sensiblevision.info/faq/index.php?action=artikel&cat=41&id=94&artlang=en
How To Improve Boot Time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi-Jn4OKp7A&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Surge Protectors/Suppressors:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13554_3-9774926-33.html
Graphics
What order do I install my drivers?

How to make a bootable USB drive:
http://www.intowindows.com/bootable-usb/

If you are building a new computer or reinstalling your operating system, Intel® recommends installing the drivers and software in the following order:

1. Windows* operating system service packs or patches available from Microsoft* (for example, Service Pack 3 for Windows* XP)
2. Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility
3. Microsoft DirectX* 9.0 or later
4. Video or graphics driver (for example, Intel® HD Graphics Driver)
5. Intel® Application Accelerator or Intel® Matrix Storage Manager
6. Sound or audio drivers
7. LAN or network drivers

 

Possible fixes:

USB 3.0 Problems: From the Dell Community website ~ "Hi, I have an XPS 17 with the same USB 3.0 Controler (resenas), and i have the problem with an external hard drive Verbatim 500 Go USB 3.0.
With the default drivers (v2.0.4.0) when I connect the hard drive on usb 3 plug it doesn't work, but it's ok on lateral usb 2 plug. If I plug an usb 2 device on the usb 3 controler, it's ok. I have contacted Verbatim support for this problem, and they said that there's a problem with the resenas drivers v2.0.4.0, and the solution is to install old resenas drivers v1.0.20.0. I try this solution and effectively with this old drivers my USB 3.0 hard drive work correctly on USB 3.0."
Link: http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19353745.aspx?PageIndex=1
Discussion on this topic suggests a few possible causes of the USB 3.0 problem. Incompatibilities... of all different kinds. I suggest you take some time to read the Dell Community Forum to get an idea for yourself. Below I've listed some Driver versions that were discussed in the link to the Dell community forum above.
Correct me if I'm wrong...
~ It sounds like there have been no failures with the USB 2.0 port while operating all by itself.
~ Some USB 2.0 failures have been reported while various USB 3.0 devices are connected, be it a single 500GB external drive, a mouse, whatever.
Possible fixes (found on the Dell Community Forum) to explore for USB 3.0 problem:
~ Using an older version of the Host Controller Driver (v1.0.20.0) ? (result unconfirmed)
~ Download and install Registry Booster ? (result unconfirmed)
~ Disabling Powershare in BIOS ? (result unconfirmed)
~ Using specific system compatible devices only ?
USB 3.0 Host Controller Driver v1.0.20.0:
http://www.x-drivers.com/catalog/drivers/usb_2.0_controllers/companies/nec/models/usb_3.0_host_controller/17424.html
NEC Renesas USB 3.0 Firmware v3.0.2.7.0.8
US111_302708FWUP.exe (1.81MB): http://alternatifblog.com/forum/masaustu-bilgisayarlar/1636-nec-renesas-usb-3-0-firmware-3-0-2-7-0-8-a.html
Renesas Website: http://www.renesas.com/press/news/2011/news20110309.jsp

Fan:
Does the windows power settings influence the fan "on off" problem ?


Process Explorer & Task Manager:
Use Task Manager, Process Explorer and or msconfig to help cut down on processes running in the background ? To access Task Manager right click on an empty space of the bottom tool bar.
Video explanation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgmVDMDtAKY&feature=fvwrel
Process Explorer Download: http://download.cnet.com/Process-Explorer/3000-2094_4-10223605.html

HDMI
"Same happens with mine, can't see the whole desktop on my tv through HDMI.
Although my TV is quite old and only 720p, which is what I thought the problem was. Tried all the possible combinations and can't get 100% fit.
I've been connecting laptops to this TV for years now and never had a problem before.
NVIDIA Control Panel\Display\Adjust desktop size and position
I attempted to change the "desktop resizing mode to report to the display" without any luck. Fortunately, the Resize Desktop button worked perfectly.
Also, I couldn't clone my display through HDMI, either. However, after updating the BIOS, Intel display driver, and NVIDIA driver (all straight from Dell's support site), duplicating has become an option. I'm not sure which one did it, but I haven't noticed any disadvantage to updating yet."

Screen Brightness
There was an annoying "feature", however, with dynamic contrast - screen would randomly dim and brighten as it pleased. To disable this I had to go into Intel (integrated video) control panel and set the "power saving technology" to the "maximum performance" slider underneath the "battery tab." The issue had previously persisted even when I wasn't on battery.

 

((( reserve )))

 

((( reserve )))

 

Fken great job lego99.

Thanks for putting in the work to consolidate all the information.

This deserve to be sticky.

Tried to rep you but not sure how.

 

Cheers lego99! Still need to update all my drivers and this thread will help me a lot! Great stuff, thanks!

 

It be nice if you could reorganized it with direct links with each part like the NBR HP Driver threads( Example). You may need to create a new thread with as many posts as drivers and software reserved, into order to create a quick reference table of index instead doing a text search. Then it would be simple to get others post for working updated drivers.

 

That's a really good idea. I like that format. I have no clue how to do it though For now I'm going to keep accumulating info while I have the spare time. Feel free to add, criticize, praise, whatever...

 

You should add
http://downloadstore.dell.com/media as all the bundled software is there for download. I have downloaded the Webcam Central and powerdvd from there.

 

The moderator of that example thread used Microsoft Expression which is free to college students, I think they also offer to high school students for free. Basically, a literal what you see is what you get editor with no html experience necessary.

 

sticky this

 

What does that mean and how do you do it ? lol

 

Sticky means to keep the thread at the top of the lists no matter if there are any replies. Only a moderator can perform this.

 

College students can download it here:

https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx

You must get verified first before being able to download and receive the key (if necessary). There is also a bunch of other software available.

 

If lego99 make a few threads like these, he going to get mod status, eventually.

 

So what's the deal with the USB 3.0 problems that I've been reading about ?

That doesn't sound good at all. Any feedback / resources would be great.

Oh, and thanks for the explanation !!!

 

The issue is when using the usb 3.0 ports, they randomly and quickly reset. Reason why some people noticed and some people don't.

It's problematic for those who does large files transfer for example.
It's somewhat minor but annoying.

I have a few models of the newer HP dv6, have this issue as well.

-------
The other problems are pretty vague, where the usb 3.0 ports don't work at all, which is true if you didn't install the correct driver. Issues with backward support ....Blah Blah

And who bunch of issues that should only apply to their generation of model.
USB 3.0 is just new tech in practice. Of course, there will be problems.

 

I'd like to organize a section on the proper order to install drivers, updates and what not.


Personally, I am not going to do a clean install of Win 7... just uninstall what I can... stuff I don't need (like McAfee...) and make sure I have the "right" drivers and updates.
It's hard to discern whether the most recent version of a driver is the best one to be using sometimes. So, any advice or resources would be appreciated.
Ideally, I'd like to have complete step by step instructions on how to:
1) Make a recovery / repair disk. (Sounds like a piece of cake)
2) Be able to evaluate which "bloatware" you can do without, and how to remove it.
3) Which updates and drivers to install and what's the correct order.
4) Including plenty of L502X owner specific pointers along the way.

Being able to consolidate all that info in on place would rawk!!!

Thanks to all the people that have contributed their time and effort !!!

 

1) Recover media can be done with Dell's DataSafe Local Backup (it bugs you until you do it) - USB, DVD, or Blu-Ray. Copies your 12 GB Recovery partition. System repair disk (Windows Startup Repair) can be made with Windows (type "repair disc" into the Start Menu) - CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray. Creates a minimal repair environment with tools.

2.
Cozi - could be useful if you have a family. Most people won't need or want this.
Dell DataSafe Local Backup-Basic Edition - Allows restoring of the factory image and creation of a copy of the factory image. If you prefer reinstalling Windows than restoring the factory state, you can get rid of this.
Dell DataSafe Online - Allows you to use the 2 GB 1 year subscription. Honestly there are better and free ways. For example, Windows Live Mesh (part of Windows Live Essentials) provides 5 GB of online storage for free.
McAfee Security Suite - If you ended up with a 15-month deal, you might as well use it until then. Firewall, Antivirus, Antispam, some computer maintenance stuff. But if you have the 30-day trial, just get rid of it and install Microsoft Security Essentials (set the regular scan to Full Scan instead of Quick Scan, trust me).
Dell Support Center - Keep it. Quick access to system information, documentation, downloads, and diagnostics.
PowerDVD 9.6 - Necessary for Blu-Ray playback and 3D Blu-Ray output to a 3D HDTV.
Dell Webcam Central - Only remove if you never use the webcam.
Skype - Used for talking to your friends via webcam.
Windows Live Essentials - Suite of complementary applications for Windows. Writer is for blogging, Mesh is for online backup and synchronization of your files between computers and remote access to your comptuers, Photo Gallery is much better than the default Windows application, Movie Maker is pretty good too, Family Safety might be useful if you have children using your computer. You can run the uninstaller and select which ones you want to remove.

3. Drivers order: Chipset, Video (Intel then NVIDIA), Intel Rapid Storage Technology, Free-fall sensor, Audio (Realtek then Creative if you have it) Touchpad, Communications (Network, Wireless, Cellular, Bluetooth), USB 3.0 controller, Card reader. Chipset comes first, the order for the rest isn't really too important, since the default drivers that Windows has are able to handle the basic system operation.

 

The chipset has to be last, cause it has the ability to to check and update all intel devices drivers except network if you use overall parameter.

The dell version has the overall parameter as part of the setup.

Also, I won't even bother with the F6 chipset driver, I got tired of coercing it to work during the w7 install, over the years.

And the USB controller is closer to first, took me awhile to guess the working port for legacy devices prior installing it from usb drive.

 

Thanks Dakkona and Falco !

I've been reading through the Dell manual, Windows 7 info , info for various drivers to try and find a agreed upon protocol for driver/update/program installation.... it's a slow process. I really appreciate the info ! Any other resources you can recommend ?

I also had another question for anyone that's out there...

Which browser does Windows 7 64 bit function best with ?
My current system: Windows XP with Firefox 4 (32 bit I believe)
I was reading online that folks have been having some problems running Firefox 4 on Win 7 ? What's your experience ?

 

As for browsers, just stick of what you know best.

FF4 is 32bit in official distribution. Not that hard to recompile for x64 (much simpler than Chromium).

I have yet hit any issue with firefox 4 beside typical addons that slows it down .
So, I got no idea. Just hope that your addons are still supported.

-----

As the order of drivers install by Dak, with a couple of minor changes, is ok. Be warned if you see nothing going on after extracting, you have to manually go into the extracted folder and run the setup. Install 1 driver at a time and restart when it ask you to.

Knowing the order of install helps alot when writing up unattended clean install, though that pretty much moot in the current era where we have easy access to high capacity drives and simple images software.

 

As far as i know, they stopped developping RMClock for a while now, so no more undervolting for Core i's D:

 

More pre-installed software I forgot to add:
* Intel Control Center - installs with the Intel Rapid Storage Technology software, but all it does is provide shortcuts for the HD graphics. Totally unnecessary
* Dell Stage - Suite of applications to organize your media and favorite websites. Worth checking out to see if it would be useful to you. You can uninstall the parts of it you don't want while leaving the parts of it you do.
* Advanced Audio FX Engine - Webcam audio effects. Not necessary if you don't use them.
* Intel TurboBoost Technology Monitor 2.0 - Unnecessary, but it is nice to see the technology working.

 

I had a problem installing that ST Microelectronics driver. Had to call dell. Turns out my windows updates upgraded to SP1 and the driver was already not compatible. The dell tech quickly found the right driver and got me going again. Best tech support I've ever had. Other than that it took me less than an hour to swap hdd's and do a fresh install. Having every single CD/DVD for every peice of software does help.

 

Maybe is a stupid question, but who have an SSD still need of the function of ST Microelectronics sensor?

 

Maybe something like this eventually Laptop accelerometers used to detect earthquakes ? New Tech Gadgets & Electronic Devices | Geek.com

 

What is the difference between the Dell drivers for the Nvidia card, and the Nvidia drivers?

 

Helpful Hint from your Uncle Rick (or, Don't Do What I Did): Let Dell tell you about the updates to the recovery portion of the disk, update said portion, and then do do the Dell DataSafe thing.

I wasted two DL DVDs (which I didn't think the BD Triple Burner would burn to, but it did) creating Recovery Disks, only to find out there were updates for them. It took a while for the updates to show up, but they eventually did, all by themselves.

 

My new XPS 15 L502x is on its way, please help me choose from the following

1) Should I totally format the system and reinstall windows and drivers
2) Or should I just keep the laptop as it is and do changes in it by uninstalling the unnecessary programs
3) Also I need to partition the Hard disk with 50 gb for local folder with system files and stuff solely for it and the partition the remaining in to 3 folders (500 Gb HD 7200 Rpm),will there be a program to partition the hard disk

Thank you

 

Dell factory image is almost close to a clean install, so stick with 2. No mess, no fuss. Just uninstall programs that you know you won't use now or in the next 3 years.

It also easier for Dell to accept fault with a running factory base if something naughty going on.

1 is for those who are just bored ;P, depending on your technical experience it's either a pleasant few hours or a nightmarish week.



3. Just use Windows Disk Management under computer administration tools. It has a simple resizing and extension tool.

 

Thank you Falco152 :yes:

 

The fan "on off" problems stem from the nvidia card coming on and off. I found on mine that a GPU monitor sidebar gadget that I downloaded was causing the GPU to come on to check the temps every few seconds. I turned off the widget and haven't had a problem since.

 

Is Dell factory image on all XPS 15 L502X laptops because I am in the UK and damned if I can find it. I hit F8 and followed the manual but when I get to the screen of options there is no Dell factory image.

The manual tells me to login as 'administrator' but all I see is my username but when I click next there is no image to restore from.

I checked my partitions and recovery is definitely there.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

Add an ssd drive using the modeus optical bay replacement, I got a crucial 128gb for about £160, in 15 yrs as a developer this is the most incredible performance improvement I have experienced, it was already quick but this really is astounding

 

how did you get to use the ssd as your hd. i installed a 64gb ssd in the optical bay and if i boot up my hdd the ssd is shown in the device manager but not under my computer. any advice?

 

Thanks for compiling this thread...

You may want to check this thread to read about my USB 3.0 problem and add the solution that worked for me to your thread, so others with the same issue may benefit from it.

 

This is a very helpful thread. I recently purchased XPS15 L502x and have been looking out for such information.

 

New firmware update is out!

NEC/Renesas USB 3.0 Firmware 3.0.2.8.0.8

 

Howdy. New USB3.0 Renesas driver. Seems to fix my problems.

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Det...80&lang=eng&wapkw=(USB3_allOS_2.1.19.0_PV.exe)

 

seems there are new bios as well..

why isn't this thread a sticky??

 

this firmware worked for me. thanks

 

Sorry, wrong thread

 

Couple of handy things.

1. Dell Theme for clean installs - You need to pasted the oem theme in C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Themes and the wallpapers in C:\Windows\Web\Wallpaper Dell Theme.rar
2. Enable three finger swipe in windows explorer - Windows Explorer Synaptics Flick.rar
3. Enable three finger swipe in Google Chrome - Windows Explorer Synaptics Flick.rar
4. Clear all event logs in one go - Clear_All_Logs.bat

 

are the google and explorer files supposed to be the same??

 

Edit, wrong topic....

 

You need the file listed as "Firmware Version 3.0.2.8.0.8 & 4.0.1.5.0.2", as the Renesas USB 3.0 Host Controller Utility shows the firmware version in my L502X at 4.0.1.5. The utility doesn't show any digits after that so no idea what minor revision my firmware had.

Extract the downloaded file, but DO NOT run the "uPD720200_uPD720200A_FW_Updater.exe" program. It will endlessly spawn invisible command line prompt processes (cmd.exe) until you run out of memory.

Instead, run (as administrator) the "upd720200a.cmd" file directly from the "uPD720200_uPD720200A_FW_Updater" directory.

After flashing you will need to reboot before you can use the USB 3.0 ports.

The updated driver "Renesas USB3_allOS_2.1.19.0_PV.exe" from Intel has also appeared so far to have fixed my "disappearing" ports and disconnection problems.

 

New NEC/RENESAS USB3 Controller driver if people still are having problems

http://www.station-drivers.com/telechargement/nec/divers/renesas_usb3_2.1.28.1(www.station-drivers.com).exe

source: http://www.station-drivers.com/page/renesas.htm

 

New NEC/RENESAS USB3 Controller driver if people still are having problems

http://www.station-drivers.com/telechargement/nec/divers/renesas_nec_usb3_2.1.32.0(www.station-drivers.com).exe

source: RENESAS/NEC Drivers & Firmwares

 

New NEC/RENESAS USB3 Controller software

Driver
http://www.station-drivers.com/telechargement/nec/divers/renesas_usb3_uPD720200_2.1.36.0(www.station-drivers.com).exe

Firmware
http://www.station-drivers.com/telechargement/nec/divers/renesas_usb3_4.0.2.0(www.station-drivers.com).exe

source: RENESAS/NEC Drivers & Firmwares